WASHINGTON, DC – Following passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) praised the inclusion of twelve weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees, which will begin October 1, 2020.

“The passage of the NDAA conference report today includes an important win for federal employees and their families,” said Congressman Hoyer. “The inclusion of 12 weeks paid parental leave for all federal employees is an important first step toward extending full family and medical leave benefits to the federal civilian workforce. This provision will help the federal government recruit and retain talented employees to serve the American people and sets a standard for the private sector. I will continue to fight to make full family and medical leave benefits for all workers a priority, and I join in thanking Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney and Chairman Adam Smith for their dedication to this important issue.”

“This provision to provide paid parental leave, based on my Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, is a tremendous victory for the more than 2 million federal employees across the country,” said House Oversight & Reform CommitteeChairwoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12). “When this bill is signed into law, parents will no longer need to choose between being home with their new child or their paychecks. While this agreement is an incredible win for families, it is not perfect. It does not cover paid leave for medical reasons or cover employees outside the federal government. I know Leader Hoyer shares my passion and commitment to build on this win and guarantee paid family and medical leave for hardworking Americans across the country. Together, we have been working on this issue for too long, and its great to finally celebrate this success together.”

“I want thank Leader Hoyer for his leadership, and for giving me the space to negotiate these wins for the Democratic Caucus,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (WA-09). “Paid parental leave and the repeal of the ‘widow’s tax’ are policy changes that will have lasting effects on the lives of millions of hardworking Americans. Passing the NDAA demonstrates our commitment to put country ahead of party in order to deliver for our service members and their families and ensure a strong national defense. That is something we can all to be proud of.”

David M. Higgins II

David M. Higgins was born in Baltimore and grew up in Southern Maryland. He has had a passion for journalism since high school. After spending many years in the Hospitality Industry he began working in Digital Marketing, eventually leading him back to his passion. David started The Southern Maryland Chronicle in December 2017 and has grown it to become the #1 news source in Southern Maryland.

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